Photo by John Woodcock
A RUFFE'D GROUSE ABOUT TO DRUM (SEE PAGE 695)
Of all the characteristics of this superb game bird, its habit of drumming is perhaps
the most remarkable. This loud tattoo begins with the measured thump of the big drum,
then gradually changes and dies away in the rumble of the kettle-drum. It may be briefly
represented thus: Thump-thump-thump-thump, thump; thump, thump-rup rup rup rup
r-r -r -r -r-r-r -r -r . The sound is produced by the male bird beating the air with his wings as
he stands firmly braced on some favorite low perch; and it is now quite well known to be
the call of the male to the female-an announcement that he is at the old rendezvous.
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